London is buzzing with exciting things to do, but where do you start in your search for entertainment in one of the most visited cities in the world?
There are iconic landmarks, fascinating museums, delightful river cruises, glorious parks and palaces, and a plethora of pubs, clubs, and restaurants. The vibrant city might be your home or a holiday destination, and here is our guide to seven of the best experiences in the capital.
Fun Activities for Adults in London
BFI Southbank – For Cinema Lovers
BFI Southbank is a must for cinema lovers. However, it is more than simply a cinema. They are a cultural charity that holds film festivals and screens many films celebrating the great art of moving images.
Coming soon to BFI Southbank is the biggest South Asian film festival in Europe. It takes place in two stages, a summer and autumn season. The first starts on 22nd June and ends on 29th June. To launch the festival is the witty fable, The Storyteller, by filmmaker Satyajit Ray.
The Reuben Library is a wonderful free addition to peruse journals, books, and digital material about the world of film.
For pre- or post-movie entertainment, the BFI Bar is a space to catch up over cocktails, such as an Orient Travels, a cocktail of St Germain, Cointreau, sugar syrup, yuzu liqueur, lemon bitters, Belvedere vodka for £11.50.
If you prefer to wine and dine, the BFI Riverfront is in a fabulous location overlooking the River Thames. The kitchen opens at noon and closes at 9 pm. Some might say it is pricy, but with the views and central city vibes, it is worth it.
The Riverfront burger is £16.50 for a Mount Grace double beef patty, cheese, salad, crispy onions, and sauce in a brioche bun, served with chips.
A vegan option of Beetroot gnocchi, grilled courgette, spinach, courgette purée, and lovage pesto for £16.00.
The BFI Cafe is a third option for meeting friends over coffee or a light lunch before watching a film.
BFI Southbank is a great place to go in London with friends. There is always something interesting to watch, and the bar, restaurant, and cafe are ideal for meeting up.
Address: Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XT
Telephone: 020 7928 3232
The Dare SkyWalk – A Unique, Fun Experience
The Dare Skywalk is an exceptionally cool experience as a fun activity for adults. It is a tour at a whole new level, a 90-minute tour above Tottenham Hotspur’s Stadium. During your experience, you will learn plenty of facts and history about the Spurs, including their iconic cockerel at the top of the new stadium.
There are two adult options for the Dare Skywalk. The standard ticket includes a walk around the stadium on the exposed walkway, 46.8 metres above the stadium. You will experience a spectacular panoramic view across London’s skyline and the stadium below. The price is £44.00 if booked in advance.
For an additional £18.00, those who dare can take the quickest route down with a controlled descent after an extra safety briefing.
A Proposal Package is available for couples who want to make the moment extra special.
Not only Tottenham Hotspur fans will be smiling all the way around on the tour. Reviewers highly rate the Dare Skywalk as one of the best fun activities for adults in London.
Address: The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London N17 0BX
Telephone: 0344 499 5000
Hijingo Bingo – Multi-sensory Bingo
London is home to many cool activity bars, and Hijingo turns the traditional game of Bingo into a whole new mind-blowing sensory experience.
For a limited time during the summer, you can step into the future with the authentic Hijingo Bingo or rewind to an 80’s Power Trip. Both games are,
- £16.00 per person for a full game of six rounds
- £11.00 for three rounds
- £45.00 per person for a bottomless brunch
There are other food and drink options from the Luck Cat Bar and include
- Popcorn chicken for £8.50
- Cauliflower Wings at £7.00
If you give 48 hours’ notice to order food, Hijningo can serve you halal food.
Hijingo Bingo offers great fun for adults in Shoreditch. The atmosphere is fantastic. It oozes chaotic energy, is visually stimulating, and has a great soundtrack. For other electrifying clubs in Shoreditch, check out our article here.
Address: 90 Worship St, London EC2A 2BA
Telephone: 020 8138 2982
The Old Operating Theatre, Museum and Her Garret
Not for the faint-hearted, The Old Operating Theatre is hidden in the attic of an 18th-century church of the old St Thomas’ Hospital. You must climb a steep, creepy 52-step winding staircase to reach the museum, for which there is a traffic light system to enter.
You will feel lucky to be alive today when you witness the medical paraphernalia they used in grisly operations in days gone by.
An average visit to the museum takes around 45 minutes and costs £7.50 per adult.
The Old Operating Theatre holds regular events, like a night of stand-up comedy in Science Showoff Cures All Ills. For £20.00, the evening includes comedy, music in the Herb Garret and a drink in the Apothecary Wine Bar.
Visiting the oldest surviving surgical operating theatre in Europe is a fun and fascinating way to spend an afternoon or an evening event.
Address: 9a St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY
Telephone: 020 7188 2679
The National Theatre – Entry Pass for Young Adults
Going to the theatre is always a pleasure, but in London’s West End, you can experience one of the world’s best theatreland. London has many other fantastic theatres, including The National Theatre with the Olivier, Lyttelton and Dorfman theatres and the Shakespeare Globe.
For young adults between 16 and 25, The National Theatre has improved the great pastime. Specific performances sell tickets for £5.00. For 19 – 25 years, the price is £10.00. Over 25s still receive good-value tickets that are non-discounted.
Proof of age is required when attending the performance, and you must be a UK resident. The National Theatres website has a list of shows that include the offer.
For fun things to do in London as young adults, Starting on the 13th June, Joseph Fiennes plays Gareth Southgate in Dear England.
From the 1st August, The Effect, starring Paapa Essiedu from I May Destroy You and Taylor Russell from Bones and All. The play challenges the audience in a part thriller, part romance production.
The Olivier, Lyttelton and Dorfman theatres are all at the same address.
Address: Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PX
Email: [email protected]
Hidden London – What Lies Beneath
The London Underground is world famous for its quality and comfort, where it tops the list for best ventilation and number of toilets per passenger. It is also the world’s oldest, opening in 1863.
Over the years, London’s celebrated underground has seen many changes, including the most recent being the Queen Elizabeth line. All these improvements created redundancies along the way, with 40 unused underground and overground stations, including miles of tunnels, no longer part of the network.
You can access some of these hidden spaces on a London Transport Museum Hidden Tour.
Discover some of these subterranean gems where you will find wartime advertisements, evidence of London’s bomb shelters and the recent redundant station of Charing Cross closed in 1999 and is now a popular movie set.
Prices vary, but examples include a £32.00 concession price and £37.00 full price for the Clapham South Tour. Times and dates for the tours are on the website.
The tours start at various positions, depending on your choice, and take approximately 60 – 90 minutes. Unfortunately, children under 14 years are not permitted.
To purchase a ticket, go to the online ticket portal.
Website: www.ltmuseum.co.uk
Telephone: 0343 222 5000
The Ghost Bus Tours – A Scary Tour of London
The Ghost Bus Tours is excellent for fun, facts, and spooky entertainment. Hop aboard the theatre on wheels and hear about London’s dark and sinister secrets. You may be tickled pink or on the edge of your seat as your conductor guides you through the historic streets of London.
Your journey begins opposite the famous Sherlock Holmes Pub and lasts roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes. It is on a first-come-first-seated basis, so arrive early to avoid missing out on the fun.
Adult tickets are £25.00 per person.
Hold tight and enjoy the ride on a fun activity for adults in London.
Address: 8 Northumberland Ave, London WC2N 5BY
Telephone: 0844 567 8666
3 Tips for Fun Activities for Adults in London
- What is the most crowdest place in London? Central London. It has the highest population density.
- Where do most people go out in London? The West End and Soho.
- Where in London is quiet? Hampstead feels like another world from Central London. It is a village-like atmosphere.